Breast Cancer Diagnosis Today

Thanks for the advice Jane, am hoping to speak to a nurse today.  xx Rae

Thanks Rowdy & Maryrose,

Diary is now on the list.  Notepad is at the ready all filled with questions for the surgeon and nurses!  I am lucky to have very close family and friends and the best husband (and kidlets).  This site is proving to be extremely helpful too, glad I found it.  Thanks for everything xx Rae

Thanks Lyn,  another question to add to my list!  Good luck with your surgery & 'journey'  xx Rae

Thanks Christine!  So much to take in but so grateful for everyone's advice and stories.  xx Rae

Thank you!  Will have a look now...glad I found this group has been extremely helpful so far.  As with everyone else this is a real eye opener and I realise what a sheltered life I have had.  The words/terms etc I have learnt in the last two days is quiet overwhelming.  I'm hoping to talk to a McGrath nurse today to help with this 'journey' xx

Hi,

This is all foreign and new and just like you wouldn't rush and make a major purchase or decision without researching and thinking it through your treatment options should be the same. Don't feel like you have to get in and decide on the day. One of the few things I remember from that first appointment with the breast surgeon was her telling me that in the USA they average 6-7 weeks from diagnosis to surgery and yet their outcomes are virtually the same so you have time. There are positives and negatives to every decision so if you feel like you need to take a couple of days to research a little more (and yes the Guide to Early Breast Cancer is awesome but so are the real life experiences women write about on here) weigh things up and feel comfortable with your decision then speak up and ask for some time.

Good luck, Jen

Hi Rene, welcome to the network. You have a huge decision to make about your future. The book that you've been advised to read is very good and will helpyou right through all your treatments. Make sure that you have your support people around you, and that they have a read as well. Take care, Trace ????

Hi Rene, my name is jess from BCNA and i just wanted to jump in and say hello/welcome. You look like your finding your way around the network quite well, but If you did need any help connecting with others or finding support please just let me know. In addition to the guide that you specialist mentioned, we also have a section on our website which has information for women who are newly diagnosed. If you would like to have a look, you can find some more information here - New diagnosis. And if you have any questions about the network at all, just get in touch.

~ Jess x

Hey Rene. Happy birthday.?? i would suggest taking one appointment at a time and take someone with you. I found i became overwhelmed with all the info i had to process so having another set of ears really helps. Take care and look after yourself.  Maryrose 

Hi Rene, a pretty crappy birthday gift I'd agree, but great that it has been caught early.

I'd just add that it might be good to have a chat with your breast care nurse before Friday to talk about some of those decisions and explain some of the foreign language we're suddenly having to get our head around. Sometimes it just helps to verbalise some of those questions with someone who can help and guide you in the right direction.

The Guide was invaluable throughout my treatment (I'd just dip in & out of the relevant sections as trying to take it all in at once was overwhelming and used it to form my questions for whichever specialist I was seeing), and of course nothing beats talking to those who've been there and can offer some words of support and understanding, so feel free to post any time you have a question, are confused or just want to vent.   

Best of luck with your next steps and decisions. Jane xx